Travelling to Remote Northern Territory for the annual Freedom Day Festival and want to make a trip of it?

We’re here to help with the best, walks, 4WD tracks and camping spots in the areas surrounding Kalkarindji. 
 

Victoria River

Grab your best hiking boots and your camping gear and head to the spectacular gorge country of Judburra National Park, the second-largest park in the NT.

You really get a feel for the diversity of the Territory’s landscapes in this region, as you leave the Tropical forests and Stone Country near Katherine and Kakadu, and enter semi-arid escarpment country, with red rocks, palm trees, spinifex grasses and a few Boab trees for good measure.

 

STAY: Victoria River Roadhouse 

Not just a roadhouse - the Vic River Roadhouse is an iconic stop in this area, for it’s lovely big campground with facilities on the banks of the river, its proximity to some fantastic walks and lookouts, and the good dose of aussie character from the signs outside and the beers in the roadhouse. 
You can walk down onto the old Vic River bridge at sunset for a unique vantage point - always remember to be crocwise! 

 

Victoria River Roadhouse

 

VIEW: Escarpment walk

Only a short drive from the Roadhouse, you absolutely must take on the Escarpment Walk for spectacular views of the Victoria River and the escarpment, and stories of the Nungali and Wardaman people along the way.

The walk is short but can be steep in sections - but it’s worth it for the panoramic views of the Victoria River Valley.

 

Escarpment Walk

 

WALK: Nawulbinbin Walk (Joe Creek)

And even though we said you must do that one… YOU MUST DO THIS ONE! It’s a slightly longer walk, but instead of going up for a view, the Nawulbinbin (Joe Creek) Loop Walk winds up a rocky slope to the base of the escarpment wall - and being up there, against red cliffs and surrounded by huge palm trees, it’s like another world. Keep an eye out for Aboriginal art on the escarpment walls, and if you listen closely you can hear dingoes howling across the valley, and get lost in the soothing sound of the wind rushing through the valley. 

 

Nawulbinbin Walk (Joe Creek)

 

STAY: Big Horse 

Another of our favourites in the area, the Big Horse Creek Campground is open all year, and is popular for fishos given the boat ramp is right nearby! The campground is located on the Victoria Highway, 10 km west of Timber Creek, and is close to the famous Gregory’s Tree. 

The facilities are basic but campsites are a great size - and camping among boabs is fantastic! 

 

VIEW: Buchanan Highway, Jasper Gorge

For a day of scenery, head down the Buchanan Highway. It’s not a traditional ‘highway’ as it sounds - but it is a maintianed road, so you won’t have to lock the hubs in yet! 

Head down to the banks of the East Baines River, about 60 km south of Timber Creek, to see the stunning Jasper Gorge. There’s always something beautiful about a permanent waterhole in what feels like semi-arid desert - and it’s a beautiful camping spot to spend a night if you desire!  

 

4WD:  Wickham Track & Gibble Track 

Here is where it gets good!! Buckle in and start crawling over some rocks - The northern section of the Wickham Track covers spectacular hills and offers views over wide open spaces and Spinifex slopes. It’s a rough track with a few jump ups and (sometimes) creek crossings - so be prepared to go slow and take it all in! Views of rocky ridges and more escarpments along the Gibbie along with many (probably dry) crossings of the Gibbie Creek - take spare tyres! 

Follow the Gibbie Track to Paperbark Yard, a designated bush campsite with fireplaces, but no other facilities - bush camping for the win!   
 

Gregory Judburra National Park

 

FREEDOM DAY FESTIVAL 

And of course - the main event! Make the pilgrimage onto Gurindji Country for an incredible three days of celebrating and commemorating the legendary Wave Hill Walk-off and the birth of Land Rights.

Bush camp in Kalkarindji for 3 days of amazing art, music, sport and culture.

 

Gurindji Freedom Day Festival

 

To check out more information on the Gurindji Freedom Day Festival click here! 

 

Chat to our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.